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New CEO for McDonald's

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McDonald's yesterday named Australian-born Charlie Bell to take over as
president and chief executive officer of the fast-food giant following the death
of CEO Jim Cantalupo earlier in the day.

The board also announced that Andrew McKenna, the board's presiding director,
had been elected non-executive chairman.

The moves came after Mr Cantalupo died suddenly of an apparent heart attack.
He was 60.

Mr Cantalupo helped engineer a turnaround of the fast-food chain by focusing
on better food and service during 16 months at the helm.

The company moved quickly to name his successors.

Mr Bell, 43, a native of Australia and McDonald's president and chief
operating officer, was elected CEO. He will keep the president's title.

Mr McKenna, 74, the board's presiding director, was named chairman.

Mr McKenna said Mr Cantalupo was stricken in Orlando, Florida, where
McDonald's was holding its international owner and operator convention.

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"Jim was a brilliant man who brought tremendous leadership, energy and
passion to his job. He made an indelible mark on McDonald's system," Mr McKenna
said.

Mr Cantalupo emerged from retirement to be named chairman and CEO in January
2003 after a major management shake-up. He had worked for McDonald's for 28
years.

Under him, the company - which had reported its first-ever quarterly loss for
the last three months of 2002 - worked to revitalise its brand.

"We can never replace Jim's brilliance or leadership, but we will honour him
by continuing his passion for McDonald's," the board said in a statement.

"Charlie Bell has worked side by side with Jim during these past 16 months to
revitalise McDonald's all over the world. He is ideally suited and prepared to
continue Jim's remarkable focus and discipline on our business."